Make the Switch to More Energy-Efficient Versions of These 6 Appliances

Shopping for new appliances often means vetting products based on quality, brand, specs, and price. While these are all important, one quality that shoppers must also look into is energy efficiency. High-quality, energy-efficient appliances work at optimal levels, but at the same time, they can significantly reduce your utility expenses by using up minimal amounts of energy.

If you’re planning to upgrade your home with a new appliance soon, here are some energy-efficient alternatives you may want to consider.

Television

In most Filipino households, TVs are not just an appliance for entertainment—they are a necessity. Today, the boxy CRT TVs that permeated our salas and bedrooms in the past are being replaced by LED and OLED TVs—models that consume less energy and contribute to big savings in utility costs.

Compared to its predecessors, the LED TV is more energy efficient despite falling within an affordable price range. A 32-inch LED TV, for example, consumes only around 50 watts while an LCD model eats up around 60 watts. Similarly, a 50-inch LED TV uses approximately 30 percent less energy than an LCD model of the same size.

Air Conditioner

The aircon is another must-have appliance in the Philippines, where we experience hot weather all year round. However, some people feel discouraged from buying an AC because of its reputation for contributing to high electricity bills.

If you want to stay cool without incurring hefty electrical costs, you can choose to buy an inverter-type aircon. This type of aircon uses inverters, which regulate compressor speed as it works to cool the air. Inverter aircons adjust to your desired temperature, which means you can leave the AC on for a long time without it consuming too much energy. Both window-type aircons and split-type aircons will have models that feature energy-saving inverter technology, so you can choose the type that suits your needs best.

When shopping for a new AC, make sure to also check the appliance’s energy efficiency ratio (EER). Aircon models with a high EER conserve energy better and require lower operating costs.

Refrigerators

Your refrigerator is one of the most energy-intensive appliances in your home, accounting for 13.7 percent of your total energy consumption. Needless to say, an energy-efficient fridge can make a difference once your monthly electric bill comes around.  And as with aircons, refrigerators also use an energy ratio to measure energy efficiency. When buying a fridge, it would be ideal to pick one with a high energy efficiency factor (EEF).

When choosing a new fridge, you need to consider where the freezer is located. Generally, experts recommend fridges with top-mount freezers as opposed to side-by-side models. This is because top freezers are located far from your fridge’s compressor, making it easier to achieve ideal temperatures with less energy. In contrast, bottom freezers are closer to the compressor, which generates heat and makes it difficult for the freezer to easily achieve the right temperature.

Aside from the top-freezer model, inverter fridges can also cut your electrical expenses despite running 24/7. Essentially, an inverter fridge’s compressor runs at a slow speed to maintain ideal temperatures, preventing the waste of electricity.

Washing Machines

Having an energy-efficient washing machine has benefits when it comes to both electricity and water consumption. Compared to top-load washing machines, front-load washers tend to be more efficient because they use 60 percent less water and energy.

Additionally, some models of washing machines have features designed to optimize energy consumption. These features include programmable timers and options for cold-water washing at a lower spin speed.

Dryers

Dryers can be extremely helpful when doing your laundry, especially if you have insufficient outdoor space. They can also provide convenience during the rainy season, when hanging clothes outside is not an option. To improve energy efficiency during laundry days, experts recommend using heat-pump dryers instead of vented dryers. Essentially, heat-pump dryers extract heat from the room and use it to warm the clothes. According to Energy Star, heat-pump dryers’ energy consumption is 20–60 percent less than vented models.

Dishwashers

A dishwasher in itself can cut water bill expenses because it uses only around 4–6 gallons of water. In comparison, hand-washing your dishes may have you using 20 gallons or more. In terms of electricity, compact dishwashers use only around 113–203 kWh every year, making them ideal choices for energy-efficient dishwashers. There are also new dishwasher models with energy-saving features like advanced filtration and soil sensors designed to adjust cleaning capacity based on the amount of dirt that needs to be removed.

Less Energy, Lower Bills, Better Care for the Environment

Beyond the benefit of lower utility expenses and more convenience, using energy-efficient products also allows you to do your part in caring for the environment. As such, it would be a wise and conscious decision to use appliances that lessen your dependence on energy while sustaining high performance levels. In doing so, you can achieve a more sustainable way of doing your chores and make days at home much more enjoyable.

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